RBs really were never devalued like some argue. It's about perspective.

[TD alt]

Like I've stated several times and argued here, the RB position has always been important:

 

Teams are averaging 27.1 rush attempts per game through Week 12, the most since 2009. And they're running for 119.6 yards per game, the second most over the past 25 seasons.

Backed by quality offensive lines and commitment from their teams to pound the rock, Barkley and Henry are leading the way for two of the most physical -- and successful -- teams in the league.

"Teams are finding the value in running the ball to winning," Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. "The run game never disappeared, really. ... More teams majoring in it now."

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42669481/baltimore-ravens-philadelphia-eagles-saquon-barkley-derrick-henry-week-13

 

Intelligent football fans, including Huddlers, need to stop misconstruing what it means to devalue RBs in reference to the NFL. What I have said is that you want dynamic talent at the position. And, in my opinion, the absolute best way to get it is to draft it, even if you have to with a high draft pick. That being said, depending upon where your team is on the curve toward success, or depending upon the status of your championship window, and especially if you can sign a top talent on a relative deal, you acquire the talent. RBs are not plug and play, there is a distinguishable difference between dynamic backs and average guys. Sure, you can get by a lot of times, but legit contenders generally have legit guys toting the rock. 

Now where RBs are being devalued rightly or wrongly (which is really a question and possible point of contention for the NFLPA), is when it's time for FOs to re-up them or let them walk. I have no problem with not being willing to pay top dollar for a position that is bruising and punishing as RB. It is here that execs must balance the opportunity costs either positively or negatively. Sometimes that might amount to an extension, sometimes not (as I previously alluded to depending upon the team's situation). It's also why it is arguably important to strike in the draft when the opportunity arises. It's also a reason why you need to keep a stable and always try to keep some talent in the pipeline. But to say that you can easily get by with JAG in the backfield, just doesn't cut the mustard and isn't really a reflection of history in my mind. Using the run to set up the pass and the pass to set up the run is the most efficient way to run an offense, and that truth will never be devalued when it comes to playing on Sundays.

 

[SmokinwithWilly]

The position is valuable but situation allows for better or worse performance from the position. Creative offenses with strong offensive lines seem to have a much easier time plugging and playing RBs. Look at KC, Philly, Detroit. Creative offenses with strong offensive lines. Miles Sanders is a prime example. Behind Philly he had a season to remember. Behind ours, a season to forget. 

[LinvilleGorge]

It really is though if you look at contracts and draft pick investment. Teams just realized that it's a position where if you don't have an elite of the elite talent that you can get serviceable production out of a fairly cheap player or mid-round pick.

[Basbear]

It's very simple. It's the answer to everything - money. Teams simply are not paying RBs what QBs, WRs, OL, CB, DL, and LBs make. Just the facts. 

 

The bonus is the rise in mid-round success. Along with many teams are splitting the cost between 2 players rather than one lead dawg. 

 

Lastly, there are plenty of stats for nerds; When an RB reaches # carries, they go downhill nearly 99%. I forgot the number, but my guess is 1500. 

[Day1PanthersFan]

It does seem the running game is making a comeback , even the top QBs are not exactly lighting it up 

We need Dlo and Jstew back in the backfield 

[frankw]

I think there may be some confusing with usage versus investment. Yes the ground game is seeing heavy usage this season but that doesn't mean every team is investing the same. Many teams use mid round picks on the position and keep it moving. Instances like McCaffrey once again being perpetually banged up and his team losing while being the highest paid back in the league are only going to further dictate most teams continue that approach.

Edited December 1, 2024 by frankw

[Khyber53]

39 minutes ago, frankw said:

I think there may be some confusing with usage versus investment. Yes the ground game is seeing heavy usage this season but that doesn't mean every team is investing the same. Many teams use mid round picks on the position and keep it moving. Instances like McCaffrey once again being perpetually banged up and his team losing while being the highest paid back in the league are only going to further dictate most teams continue that approach.

I hate that you're right about this, but it's the honest truth. The position is still vitally important (then again, I think a fullback is also important), but the wear and tear is what downgrades the careers.

[KSpan]

1 hour ago, frankw said:

I think there may be some confusing with usage versus investment. Yes the ground game is seeing heavy usage this season but that doesn't mean every team is investing the same. Many teams use mid round picks on the position and keep it moving. Instances like McCaffrey once again being perpetually banged up and his team losing while being the highest paid back in the league are only going to further dictate most teams continue that approach.

Exactly. Devalued doesn't mean teams don't find the positional output important, it means they have figured out they can get acceptable results or better for cheap by cycling backs every couple of years and not paying them big money. There will always be the stars that get paid but RB contracts are smaller in general and guys are frequently changing teams for that second contract vs other positions where quality players are nearly always re-signed.

[kungfoodude]

These same two teams without these backs in 2023 through the exact same amount of games:

Baltimore: 9-3(8-4 this year)

Philadelphia: 10-1(9-2 this year)

 

Hmmm....you think all that success was still the RB?

Or maybe that great weapons on already great teams look better?

Quick, do CMC!

[NAS]

They were, but everything is cyclical.  As defenses have adjusted to pass heavy schemes, the running game has become more emphasized again.  

[jb2288]

Been saying this for a year now. We have gone full circle, defenses have gotten faster and smaller to counter the golden QB age and RBs and physical OLs can now feast because of that 

[kungfoodude]

3 minutes ago, NAS said:

They were, but everything is cyclical.  As defenses have adjusted to pass heavy schemes, the running game has become more emphasized again.  

Yeah, I heard someone say that run heavy offenses would eventually make a comeback because the pass heavy offenses have caused a lot of defenses to favor lighter, faster players that can excel in sideline to sideline coverage. Guys which tend to struggle more against a power rushing offense.

The question is, if in 5+ years the league has transitioned to a more run heavy league, will RB salaries and draft positions rise to meet that? The market SHOULD adjust.

[NAS]

6 minutes ago, kungfoodude said:

Yeah, I heard someone say that run heavy offenses would eventually make a comeback because the pass heavy offenses have caused a lot of defenses to favor lighter, faster players that can excel in sideline to sideline coverage. Guys which tend to struggle more against a power rushing offense.

The question is, if in 5+ years the league has transitioned to a more run heavy league, will RB salaries and draft positions rise to meet that? The market SHOULD adjust.

I don’t think it ever goes back to the old days but I think it will normalize back to the mean. 

[kungfoodude]

1 minute ago, NAS said:

I don’t think it ever goes back to the old days but I think it will normalize back to the mean. 

You never know. I think the general wear and tear that dramatically shortens RB lifespan will forever be a limiting factor in RB salaries and draft positions.

I can say this, there are 35 NFL WR's with average annual values at $10 mil or more a year and 12 TE's. There are 5 NFL RB's.

It damn sure hasn't changed yet.